Gatwick Airport has warned of a fuel shortage lasting two days, prompting a jet fuel alert to pilots and raising the risk of disruption for airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, TUI, and Jet2.
Pilots advised to carry extra fuel
The notice told crews: "For the attention of all crews: Gatwick has a shortage of fuel for the next two days. Please uplift max possible fuel at outstations." A separate memo referred to a "potential disruption to the Gatwick fuel supply".
An airline source said pilots would try to load as much fuel as possible from outbound destinations, but would be constrained by maximum take-off and landing weights at Gatwick.
Short-haul and long-haul impact
The source added that "disruption" is likely at the UK's second largest airport from Monday. Short-haul operators such as easyJet may be less affected because they can bring extra fuel from European airports and bypass Gatwick's pumps. British Airways and other long-haul carriers could face more serious problems, especially on flights already in the air before the warning.
The shortage follows a technical issue at one of Gatwick's fuel farms, not the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Airport statement
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: "Following a technical issue impacting fuel supply to the airport, airlines have been advised to monitor fuel availability. We are working closely with external suppliers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and minimise any potential disruption. All airlines are operating as normal."
